Advancing progressive change by strengthening movements for Economic, Environmental, Political, Racial, and Social Justice. The Fund for Santa Barbara supports organizations working for progressive social change in Santa Barbara County, emphasizing solutions to social problems and support for those denied power and justice.
The Fund for Santa Barbara's grant program distinguishes itself through a non-traditional grantmaking process led by a Grant Making Committee of community activists and leaders. This approach aligns with the goal of addressing systemic, root causes of social inequalities across economic, environmental, political, and racial sectors. Specifically, the program offers Emerging Need Grants, providing up to $5,000 for projects facing unforeseen circumstances requiring rapid financial assistance. The funding priorities include projects with a strong social change component, focusing on community organizing, lobbying, direct action, base-building, coalition-building, or legal strategy. Applicants must demonstrate a lack of access to other funding sources, the critical timing or urgent need for their project, the potential impact of the funds on their social change goals, and how their project promotes regional equity within Santa Barbara County.